 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Virginia Diane Woods, MSN, DrPH Student, Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (909) 558-7194, vwoods@sph.llu.edu, Susanne B Montgomery, PhD, MPH, Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, and Elvin A. Hernandez, DrPH Candidate, Department of Health Promotion and Education, SPH, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland St., Loma Linda, CA 92350.
Background: Black American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer in the world, 180.6 per 100,000. Causes of higher rates are largely unknown, but higher mortality is associated with late detection. Lack of engagement in the healthcare system place Black men at high risk for non-participation in prostate cancer early detection and screening activities. Purpose: This paper explored within a cultural context healthcare access related to Black men and prostate cancer prevention activities. Methods: We used a mixed-method approach to discover prostate cancer prevention behaviors and access issues among a cohort of 277 Black men over 40 years old. Results: Mean age was 52, 216 (78.0%) had health coverage, 78.3% had a primary doctor, 61.8% (171.2) had a preventive care visit within six months, and 47.0% were recruited from healthcare settings. However, 43.3% were not aware they should have a PSA, or a DRE (48.8%), or never heard of the PSA (53.8%), or the physician had not discussed benefits and risk of a PSA (71.4%), or the DRE (75.2%), and 133 (48%) never had a PSA or DRE (38.2%). Conclusion: Insurance, a primary doctor, and regular preventive care did not predict Black men will participate in prostate cancer early detection and screening. Complex issues associated with feelings of disconnectedness, inadequate information, lack of discussion and culturally appropriate communications are determinate factors in engaging Black men. Recommendations are made for health system policy changes and a definition of what it means to have access.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.